A family of separate yet interrelated courses of study, the Programs in Performance prepare students for the emerging career pathways of the 21st century—characterized by a remarkably diverse spectrum of professional practices. Each individual program enables students to develop both high-level technical skills in their areas of specialization and the breadth of knowledge and versatility required for success in today's evolving artistic world. Students are presented with myriad performance opportunities, extensive studies of both traditional and cutting-edge music, and an excellent student-faculty ratio. They also have unique opportunities to look beyond music by working in settings that merge music with other art forms, new genres, and previously uncharted areas.

Guided by an outstanding faculty that includes many internationally acclaimed artists, students hone their skills through concentrated training and a demanding schedule of formal and informal concerts. Students present traditional and contemporary repertoire, often alongside new original works, in solo recitals and concerts by ensembles in a variety of configurations. Drawing on an array of musical traditions from around the globe, such ensembles include chamber groups, chamber orchestras, early music groups, vocal ensembles, opera ensembles, jazz and experimental ensembles, various world music groups, and specialized crossover ensembles that link different program areas. As part of this training, students frequently rehearse and perform with faculty, both on- and off-campus, and also work with significant visiting artists who are at the forefront of their field(s).

Students in the Harp Program can explore an extensive array of repertoire, ensemble performance opportunities and supportive courses of study. Solo repertoire studies are drawn from the classical, contemporary and experimental traditions. The curriculum also allows students to look to new hybrid genres that incorporate world music, jazz, electronic media and free improvisation.

The harp student at CalArts rehearses and performs with a wide variety of ensembles, including chamber music groups, chamber orchestras, conducts large ensembles such as the New Millennium Performers, and other experimental configurations. Graduate students of harp often perform with the New Century Players, the School's resident faculty ensemble.